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Men Wanted for Hazardous Journey...
“Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success.”
Irish explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton received over 5,000 crew applications after allegedly placing the above newspaper advertisement for the 1914 Endurance expedition.
Shackleton’s unconventional interviewing methods ensured compatibility and camaraderie for the complex journey ahead. Believing that personality and temperament were as important as technical ability, he asked the candidates some unusual questions. For example, physicist Reginald James was asked to sing. Some people were hired because Shackleton liked the look of them, others because they showed strength in his areas of weakness. He only hired people who were positive, optimistic and who really wanted the job. Favouring attitude over qualifications, he recruited those who got on well with others and who could have fun.
Of the 5,000 applicants, 27 men were chosen for the legendary Antarctic expedition. Although Shackleton’s plan to cross the Antarctic on foot proved unsuccessful, he demonstrated highly-developed qualities of leadership – qualities that are being used in today’s business world.
James J. Cramer (TheStreet.com) considers himself schooled by Shackleton in optimism, which rescued him from financial ruin just months before he gained major accomplishments and wealth as a key player on Wall Street. “Shackleton saved my life,” he says simply.[1]
Shackleton also saved the lives of his crew. When the Endurance became trapped in the ice enroute to Antarctica and was destroyed, Shackleton led his men to Elephant Island before heading 1,300km to South Georgia Island, in an open boat with five others. Reaching the remote island, Shackleton and two others crossed harsh, mountainous terrain before arriving at a whaling station, from where he was able to rescue his crew from Elephant Island. All the men on Endurance survived after spending almost two years in the Antarctic.
Shackleton offers an inspiring story of team-survival, by providing effective expertise in a crisis. Today, managers and leaders often refer to his methods as a guide. Shackleton always:
· Let each man put his personal stamp on his surroundings to keep morale high;
· Insisted on a healthy diet, exercise and reasonable safety;
· Made sure each person had challenging and meaningful work;
· Gave constant feedback, praising effort and correcting mistakes;
· Related to every team member as a human being, not only as a worker;
· Had small celebrations that recognised the individual;
· Tolerated quirks and didn’t hesitate to pamper his men.
Shackleton had relentless patience concerning his crew’s welfare. Living together in extreme conditions was understandably a challenge; however Shackleton always followed these steps:
· He always put the well-being of his crew first;
· Everyone had menial tasks to perform and he expected all men, including the scientists, to take their share of ship's chores, including scrubbing the decks;
· He demanded cheerfulness from his men and received absolute loyalty;
· He made everyone an equal participant;
· He kept the malcontents close to him to contain their effect on others;
· He made sure the men maintained a sense of humour;
· He carefully selected the teams and tents to ensure harmony was maintained.
Shackleton believed in preparing his crew for any kind of inevitable crisis. When things got tough, he made the following decisions:
· He prepared his crew for unpopular orders by giving advance warning;
· He balanced the resources with the people;
· He never let anyone go without a comfort that he had in his power to give;
· He never pointed out the weak links in the crew;
· He openly supported those who were acting in his stead;
· He gave hard assignments to the work-horses and let them know it.
Shackleton’s workplace was creative, productive and enjoyable. He encouraged the full participation of every member of the team. He had energy, optimism, courage, a sense of camaraderie and an unstoppable drive to push forward.
“He was a tower of strength and endurance, and he never panicked in any emergency.”
-Walter How, Seaman and Sail Maker, Endurance
“He was so young at heart that he appeared to be younger than any of us.”
- James A. McIlroy, Surgeon on Endurance and Quest.
Although Shackleton didn’t reach his goal of crossing the Antarctic, his other goal of getting all his men home alive was met.
Copyright Joanne Grey - no unauthorised use.
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